EU Blue Card Historical News Items
2025
- JAN28Spain records its lowest unemployment rate since the year 2008.
Spain added a record 468,000 jobs in 2024. Most of these jobs were in the services sector.
- JAN14Croatia indicates it needs significantly more foreign workers in 2025.
In the first nine months of 2024, Croatia issued a record-breaking 171,000 work permits.
2024
- DEC30What will the future hold for H1-B and Green card holders in the US?
2025 will be the year to consider a future in Europe. A future with the EU Blue Card.
- DEC13Increased cooperation between India and Germany to attract skilled workers.
Germany deals with historic labor shortfalls, and according to the government’s own figures could be facing millions of new vacancies over the next decade.
- NOV27Q3 GDP up by 0.4% in the EU and employment up by 0.2% in the eurozone
Cyprus' GDP is up by 3.8%, likely influenced positively by the successful introduction of the Cypriot Blue Card in early 2024.
- NOV14Sweden to become more attractive to talent from non-EU countries
The processing time for the EU Blue Card will be reduced from 90 to a maximum of 30 days.
- NOV4IMF European Economic Outlook
Spain has one of the best growth prospects in Europe. The IMF attributes Spain’s success to expanded immigration efforts.
- NOV27Q3 GDP up by 0.4% in the EU and employment up by 0.2% in the euro area
Cyprus' GDP is up by 3.8%, likely influenced positively by the successful introduction of the Cypriot Blue Card in early 2024.
- OCT21Over 89 thousand EU Blue Cards were issued in 2023
Most Blue Cards were issued to professionals who started working in Germany.
- NOV14Sweden to become more attractive to talent from non-EU countries
The processing time for the EU Blue Card will be reduced from 90 to 30 days.
- OCT2This year marks 15 years of connecting professionals with the EU Blue Card.
It is safe to say the EU Blue Card program is one of the most successful EU initiatives, overall.
- SEP19Dutch economic growth returns amid solid export growth
GDP growth translated into an expansion of employment in the second quarter. Labor shortages remain a challenge for employers.
- SEP3Sweden plans to reduce the minimum salary required for the EU Blue Card
EU countries increasingly anticipate to the success of the EU Blue Card in, particularly, Germany
- AUG14More than 25% (113,000) of work permit holders in Germany have the Blue Card
At the end of 2023, a total of 419,000 non-EU residents were holding work permits in Germany.
- JUL31Finland’s smart EU Blue Card implementation
Competition among EU countries for talent is increasing, as Finland also lowers its blue card salary threshold.
- JUL9EU countries to increasingly appreciate the added value of highly skilled immigration
The Netherlands drops the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card with almost 15%.
- JUN18Luxembourg is the latest country to implement favorable Blue Card Directive
Key point is that an applicant’s family (already residing in the EU) can immediately join the applicant in Luxembourg.
- MAY29ChatGPT sheds a light on complex EU Blue Card directive 2021/1883
Conditions clarified for moving from EU country A to country B as a Blue Card holder.
- MAY16Estonia just made the EU Blue Card even more attractive
Switch employer after only six months, friendlier family reunification and prolonged benefits in case of losing employment.
- MAY2Spotlight on Sweden: a vibrant and thriving EU economy
Sweden offers a healthy job market with opportunities in sectors like IT, energy, and media, particularly for highly skilled expats.
- APR19Romania is the next member state to comply with the updated EU Blue Card directive
Extended eligibility with regards to professional experience and prolonged permit validity.
- APR3Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area as of March 31, 2024
Blue card holders can travel freely between Schengen member countries.
- MAR28The minimum annual salary for Blue Card holders in Luxembourg is now 88K euros
Employment in shortage professions in Luxembourg carry a minimum salary of 79K euros.
- MAR14The European Commission expects Portugal’s GDP to grow by 1.2% in 2024
Portugal is projected to see solid employment growth and a high level of economic activity.
- FEB26EU Blue Cards issued to highly qualified non-EU citizens steadily increases over time
After falling in 2020 due to Covid restrictions the number of permits issued continuous on a growth path.
- FEB7Austria to allow Blue Card holders to work as self-employed
The self-employment is to be additional and subsidiary to the main -salaried- employment.
- JAN24Cyprus to implement the EU Blue Card directive
The 25th member state to join and become a knowledge and innovation-based economy.
- JAN8ASML CEO calls for more knowledge migrants: 'We can't do without them'.
High-tech company ASML is the largest tech company in Europe, employing over 120 different nationalities.
2023
- DEC21Austria lowered the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card.
Austria decreased its salary threshold from 66,593 to 47,855 euro gross annually, thereby greatly increasing its accessibility.
- DEC14Ukrainian citizens having protection in Poland (PESEL UKR) can apply for a Blue Card
Standard EU Blue Card conditions for Poland apply. No additional requirements.
- NOV27Germany implements a more attractive EU Blue Card framework
Germany expands the list of shortage occupations, eases rules on family reunification and lowers the salary threshold.
- NOV9Italy further relaxes requirements for the EU Blue Card
The employment contract term for the first issuance of the EU Blue Card is now at least six months, this used to be 12 months.
- OCT25Poland’s corporate sector sees growth in salary
Over 10% year-on-year salary increase in Poland. Wage increases in Polish ICT sector significant.
- OCT10Significant growth reported in Romanian salaries
Average net salary increased by 15.7%. Strongest increase in salaries is seen in the Romanian ICT-industry.
- SEP22New legislation in Spain removed size and turnover requirements for companies
The Blue Card is now available for small- and medium-sized companies without a labor market test being necessary in Spain.
- SEP9Belgium to reduce EU Blue Card Processing times
For Belgium, new applications for the EU Blue Card are now processed within two months, renewals within one month.
- AUG21Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to grow into an ICT powerhouse
Exemplary to this trend is OpenAI’s interest to open its European headquarters in Poland.
- AUG2French Unemployment rate lower again in Q2-2023
On a year-to-year basis, the number of unemployed was 5% lower, says state agency Pole Emploi.
- JUL14Significant growth reported in Romanian salaries
Average net salary increased by 15.7%. Strongest increase in salaries is seen in the Romanian ICT-industry.
- JUN27Latvian consulates paused accepting visa applications from Russian citizens
This would not impact visa renewal or residence permit (Blue Card) issuance when initial visa was already approved.
- JUN16The Blue Card Network migrates its email services to Google Workspace
When signing up, temporary expect a welcome email from authorized partner domain Fort.eu. Thank you.
- JUN7Germany faces an increasing labour shortage
In approximately 16% of all professions surveyed in 2022 there is a shortage. An 30% increase compared to 2021.
- MAY12Europe should develop production capacity to increase economic security
Latvia’s prime minister Karins said that supply chains should be differentiated, improving their security.
- APR26Sweden to implement new EU Blue Card Directive in November 2023
One of its key improvements is the shorter required duration of employment, from 12 to 6 months.
- APR7Croatia to simplify and enhance blue card procedures
EU Blue Card holders who have applied for renewal before it expires may stay in Croatia until the decision becomes enforceable.
- MAR17Europe’s long-term view on competitiveness
The importance of welcoming foreign workers to strengthen Europe’s future.
- MAR3New informative leaflet published on Blue Card Germany
Employed on the blue card in another country? No visa required for Germany anymore.
- FEB15Lithuania made the Blue Card more accessible
Six-month contract now sufficient and more flexibility in work options for Blue Card holders.
- JAN30Bulgaria to simplify procedures for the EU Blue Card
The Bulgarian ICT-sector alone to face a shortage of 40,000 to 50,000 highly skilled workers.
- JAN6Increase in salary for the Blue Card Netherlands
Successful Blue Card applicants in 2023 receive a salary of at least 5,867 euro per month.
2022
- DEC192023 Salary increase for Blue Card Germany
Employment contracts based on the EU Blue Card will bolster a salary of at least 58,400 euro. Salaries for shortage professions are set to rise as well.
- DEC1Blue Card holders in Germany can now apply for citizenship after only five years
In order to make Germany more attractive to foreign workers, an application for citizenship can now be filed much sooner and dual citizenship is to be fully supported.
- NOV16French level of unemployment is the lowest in 14 years
Unemployment fell from 9.5% in 2017 –Macron to take office - to 7.3% in Q3 2022.
- OCT28Austria allows for easier change of employer for EU Blue Card Holders
Those who have held an Austrian EU Blue Card for at least 12 months can change employers immediately upon filing EU Blue Card application related to the new employment.
- OCT5Salaries in the Netherlands significantly increased in September
Salary agreements included an average pay rise of almost 5%, the highest number since the 1970s.
- SEP15Hospitality and travel industry jobs have seen the biggest rise in the EU overall
EU economy grew by a seasonally adjusted 4% year on year in the second quarter of 2022.
- SEP1Requirements for employment in the Netherlands become more moderate
Highly Skilled Migrants from specific countries are allowed to work temporarily in the Netherlands while blue card application is in progress. The IND has to allow this explicitly in writing.
- AUG11EU Member States transpose the ‘transparent and predictable working conditions’ directive into law
Maximum length of probationary periods to six months; parallel employment made easier.
- JUL18Labour shortages in Europe offer trade unions valuable opportunity
Salaries are set to rise across the board because of the extensive nature of the labour shortages.
- JUN13The Blue Card Network platform is available in the Ukrainian language
Ukrainians are encouraged to learn about the great opportunities the EU Blue Card offers.
- MAY24Large number of apprenticeships left vacant in Germany
Recent data shows that tens of thousands of apprenticeships remained vacant during 2021.
- MAY3The employment rate in the European Union climbed back above 2019 levels
The share of employed Europeans has risen to 73.1% in 2021, up from 71.7% in 2020.
- APR14EU Blue Card to become easier available to persons with refugee status
Germany to allow refugees, who already hold a residence permit for temporary protection can later apply for an EU Blue Card, provided they meets the requirements.
- MAR16France unemployment hits 13-year low
France's unemployment rate fell in the final quarter of 2021 to the lowest level since 2008.
- MAR1The EU Blue Card is an EU work- and residence permit
Important to know: the Blue Card is available to all citizens of non-European Economic Area countries. It is designed to promote legal migration to the European Union.
- FEB10The minimum salary requirement for EU Blue Card Germany, for all professional categories, has not increased for 2022
By stabilizing the salary threshold EU countries make it more attractive for employers to elect foreign-born professionals.
- JAN4Poland saw an impressive increase in Blue Cards issued in 'pandemic' year 2020
According to Eurostat, the European Commission’s statistics office, the number of first issued Polish Blue Cards increased by 7% in 2020.
2021
- DEC8EU Blue Card Network Ambassador Program
Learn more about the incentive program that was launched to meet Europe’s increasing demand for skilled workers.
- NOV9EU economic output is seen reaching pre-COVID levels earlier than expected
Hospitality and tourism were battered by lockdowns and travel bans during the pandemic, but are now bouncing back.
- OCT19Poland's economy to expand by nearly 5% in 2021, says Prime Minister
'Additional budget revenues will reach approximately 17 billion Euro' Mateusz Morawiecki told reporters. Poland saw a 7% increase in granted EU Blue Cards in 2020 compared to 2019.
- SEP7Immigration is essential to Europe’s future
Statistics office Eurostat projects that by 2100, the EU’s population has fallen by 30 million.
- AUG10Europe leaves austerity behind with job-driven recovery
National recovery plans are expected to create at least 800,000 jobs by 2022 in the EU.
- JUL14The legal right to disconnect could become the norm in Europe
The right to disconnect says an employee should not be expected to respond to work communications outside of working hours.
- JUN16EU Parliament Approves Blue Card Reforms
More flexible admission conditions, enhanced rights and the possibility to move and work more easily between EU Member States.
- MAY26New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum features an improved EU Blue Card Scheme
More flexible admission conditions, enhanced rights and the possibility to move and work more easily between EU Member States.
- MAY12The EU economy expands and recovers strongly
Economic growth for the EU bloc is predicted to be 4.4% in 2022.
- APR23A record 28,000 EU Blue Cards issued by Germany in 2019APR6Romania was the fastest growing EU economy in 4Q2020
The GDP lagged by only 1.8% in Q4 compared to the same quarter in 2019.
MAR8EU Progress towards an improvement of EU Blue Card DirectiveThe aim is to better attract highly qualified and skilled third-country workers needed by the EU economy.
FEB2Expand your competencies with online coursesWatch lectures taught by world-class professors, learn at your own pace and reinforce concepts through interactive exercises.
JAN19You can travel to the European Union for employmentEmployment is considered essential by all EU countries.
